Testing Health Messages in STEADI Oder Adult Fall Pevention Materials Among Caregivers

Stay
Independent
Falls are the main reason
why older people lose their
independence.

Are you
at risk?

“People who use canes are brave.
They can be more independent
and enjoy their lives.”
Shirley Warner, age 79

Four things you can do to
prevent falls:
1

Begin an exercise program to
improve your leg strength & balance

2

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to
review your medicines

3

Get annual eye check-ups & update
your eyeglasses

4

Make your home safer by:
„R
 emoving clutter & tripping
hazards
„P
 utting railings on all stairs &
adding grab bars in the bathroom
„H
 aving good lighting, especially
on stairs

Contact your local community or senior
center for information on exercise, fall
prevention programs, or options for
improving home safety.
For more information on fall prevention,
please visit:
www.cdc.gov/injury
www.stopfalls.org
This brochure was produced in collaboration
with the following organizations:
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Division of VA Desert Pacific
Healthcare Network
Fall Prevention Center of Excellence
CS238175A

Unsteadiness or needing support while walking
are signs of poor balance.
This is also a sign of poor balance.
People who are worried about falling are more
likely to fall.
This is a sign of weak leg muscles, a major reason
for falling.
This is also a sign of weak leg muscles.
Rushing to the bathroom, especially at night,
increases your chance of falling.
Numbness in your feet can cause stumbles and
lead to falls.
Side effects from medicines can sometimes
increase your chance of falling.
These medicines can sometimes increase your
chance of falling.
Symptoms of depression, such as not feeling
well or feeling slowed down, are linked to falls.

Sometimes I feel unsteady when I am
walking.
I steady myself by holding onto furniture
when walking at home.
I am worried about falling.
I need to push with my hands to stand
up from a chair.
I have some trouble stepping up onto a
curb.
I often have to rush to the toilet.
I have lost some feeling in my feet.
I take medicine that sometimes makes
me feel light-headed or more tired than
usual.
I take medicine to help me sleep or
improve my mood.
I often feel sad or depressed.

Yes (1) No (0)
Yes (1) No (0)
Yes (1) No (0)
Yes (1) No (0)
Yes (1) No (0)
Yes (1) No (0)
Yes (1) No (0)
Yes (1) No (0)

Yes (1) No (0)
Yes (1) No (0)

Total______ be at risk for falling. Discuss this brochure with your doctor.

Add up the number of points for each “yes” answer. If you scored 4 points or more, you may

I use or have been advised to use a cane People who have been advised to use a cane or
or walker to get around safely.
walker may already be more likely to fall.

Yes (2) No (0)

People who have fallen once are likely to fall
again.

I have fallen in the past year.

Why it matters

Yes (2) No (0)

Please circle “Yes” or “No” for each statement below.

Check Your Risk for Falling

Your doctor may suggest:

• Having other medical tests

• Changing your medicines

• Consulting a specialist

• Seeing a physical therapist

 ttending a fall prevention program
•A

*This checklist was developed by
the Greater Los Angeles VA Geriatric
Research Education Clinical Center and
affiliates and is a validated fall risk selfassessment tool (Rubenstein et al. J Safety
Res; 2011:42(6)493-499). Adapted with
permission of the authors.